4.15 % tax levy OK’d; German Park approved for dog park

October 17, 2012

NEW ULM The New Ulm City Council approved on Tuesday setting a target budget of a 4.15 percent increase in the property tax levy for the final December public meetings on the 2013 City of New Ulm budget.

City Manager Brian Gramentz said he wanted New Ulm residents to understand that when they see at 19 percent maximum tax levy increase on the public notice forms they will receive, it is the maximum level that the tax levy could ever be increase. He explained that the current budget proposal has whittled that down to a 4.15 percent property tax increase.

The final budget will be open to public discussion and comment during the two meetings in December.

Dog Park

The Council approved South German Park as an acceptable site for the planned dog park. Gramentz said the plan was a good use of the land because it is under-utilized. Councilor Les Schultz said he approves of the site and likes that it is within walking distance for many residents.

The basic fencing and other elements will be paid for by fundraising by citizen supporters of the dog park. The city will not cover any of the dog park's costs. The approval was hailed as a positive step for the dog park supporters because it gives them a specific location for fundraising purposes.